Stunning footage shows croc containing human remains airlifted from river

Tuesday, 5 May 2026 09:56

Local media reports say the croc was 4.5 metres long and weighd around 500 kilograms.

A South African policeman has bravely helped winch a massive crocodile from a river, with later testing showing the croc contained human remains.

Video footage, shared on social media by South African police, showed Captain Johan Potgieter being winched on a helicopter over the "crocodile-infested" Komati River before helping attach a large crocodile to the rope.

The river is located in the east of the country, near the border with Mozambique.

LIVE UPDATES: Trump's confusing message as conflict threatens to consume Middle East

The policeman winched the massive crocodile away from the river.

The statement said the crocodile, which was already euthanised, was taken away, and a study of the crocodile's body found the remains of a missing person.

According to local media reports, the crocodile was around 4.5 metres long and weighed 500 kilograms.

The same reports said the remains are believed to be of a missing 59-year-old businessman, who went missing last week.

LIVE UPDATES: Bieber's gold corset dress brings Met Gala to a halt

Potgieter's actions and bravery were met with praise.

"Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane commends the extraordinary bravery and selflessness displayed," the statement on social media read.

"He courageously secured a crocodile using a rope under extremely dangerous conditions."

Police said they would now carry out a DNA analysis of the remains to confirm the identity of the deceased.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.